New Bipartisan Legislation Seeks to Expand Life-Saving Breast Cancer Screenings for Women Veterans
A growing number of women are serving in the US military, and their needs are being increasingly recognized by lawmakers. A new bipartisan plan aims to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for these women veterans, who will make up 18% of all US veterans by 2040.
The Mammography Access for Veterans Act, introduced by Representatives Thompson, Larsen, Kiggans, and Dexter, would expand access to breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill seeks to close care gaps in rural areas where full-service VA mammography facilities are limited. It permanently authorizes telehealth and telescreening mammography in every state, ensuring that women veterans can receive early-detection services.
The legislation is seen as a lifeline for women veterans who may not have access to healthcare in their rural communities. With over 7,000 screenings conducted under the 2022 MAMMO Act pilot program, there is clear demand and feasibility for wider expansion across the VA network.
Senate companion introduced by Senators Blumenthal, Moran, Hirono, and Boozman reflects bicameral support for making telescreening permanent and ensuring mammography access in every state. The bill's sponsors believe that this will transform care for veterans living in rural areas, where health shortages are common.
Supporters of the legislation point out that early detection is crucial in treating breast cancer effectively. No veteran should have to worry about accessing preventive care, said Representative Dexter, a former VA critical-care physician. With women currently enrolled in VA care now able to schedule appointments directly with VA gynecology specialists, this bill represents another step towards streamlining access to care.
The House Veterans' Affairs Committee will consider the legislation following its referral, and supporters expect the Senate companion to advance in parallel as lawmakers seek to make VA telescreening mammography a permanent nationwide option.
A growing number of women are serving in the US military, and their needs are being increasingly recognized by lawmakers. A new bipartisan plan aims to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for these women veterans, who will make up 18% of all US veterans by 2040.
The Mammography Access for Veterans Act, introduced by Representatives Thompson, Larsen, Kiggans, and Dexter, would expand access to breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill seeks to close care gaps in rural areas where full-service VA mammography facilities are limited. It permanently authorizes telehealth and telescreening mammography in every state, ensuring that women veterans can receive early-detection services.
The legislation is seen as a lifeline for women veterans who may not have access to healthcare in their rural communities. With over 7,000 screenings conducted under the 2022 MAMMO Act pilot program, there is clear demand and feasibility for wider expansion across the VA network.
Senate companion introduced by Senators Blumenthal, Moran, Hirono, and Boozman reflects bicameral support for making telescreening permanent and ensuring mammography access in every state. The bill's sponsors believe that this will transform care for veterans living in rural areas, where health shortages are common.
Supporters of the legislation point out that early detection is crucial in treating breast cancer effectively. No veteran should have to worry about accessing preventive care, said Representative Dexter, a former VA critical-care physician. With women currently enrolled in VA care now able to schedule appointments directly with VA gynecology specialists, this bill represents another step towards streamlining access to care.
The House Veterans' Affairs Committee will consider the legislation following its referral, and supporters expect the Senate companion to advance in parallel as lawmakers seek to make VA telescreening mammography a permanent nationwide option.